Kansas Ranchers Represent at the National Western Stock Show

The world of agriculture is on full display just five minutes from downtown Denver this time of year, as the National Western Stock Show celebrates a major milestone. The iconic event officially kicked off its 120th year, drawing ranchers, exhibitors, and livestock enthusiasts from across the country—including many from Kansas.

For decades, Kansas ranchers have made the trip west to take part in what many consider the most prestigious livestock show in the nation. One of those longtime participants is Fraser Ranches, based in Jennings, Kansas. The operation has attended the National Western Stock Show for an impressive 58 consecutive years.

“This is the granddaddy of them all,” said Louann Fraser of Fraser Ranches. “This is by far the most prestigious show in the country. The facilities are incredible—everything you could ever want to see. They’ve taken the whole show industry to the next level, and I can’t wait to see what that means for the future.”

Fraser Ranches operates as a cow-calf operation with a strong focus on the commercial cattle sector. Their goal is to produce performance-oriented bulls that help improve commercial herds, while also maintaining a commitment to the next generation of agriculture.

“We work really hard toward the commercial side, but youth programs are also extremely important to us,” Fraser explained. “We’ve donated quite a few females to local 4-H and FFA fairs. We start early with South Devons and Angus, and we put a lot of effort into supporting the junior program as a whole.”

Beyond the competition itself, the National Western Stock Show provides a vital platform for the cattle industry. Fraser encourages both producers and the public to experience the event firsthand.

“If you don’t come out, you’re missing it,” she said. “It’s a great show, great facility, and great staff. In our industry, this is one of our biggest opportunities—a platform to promote and market what we do. It’s not just about a purple banner. It’s about taking the industry to the next level and showing the entire community what agriculture has to offer.”

The National Western Stock Show runs through January 25 in Denver.

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